The word “organization” carries with it so much baggage, I find it useful to have a precise working definition. It’s hard to get “out-of-the-box” if we don’t understand how big the box we’re in actually is.

I normally define organization something like:

A system of agreements, either implicit or explicit, which guides and coordinates actions among people, makes decisions binding on a group, defines common beliefs, and/or determines access to or disposition of resources created by or available to a group. Agreements usually cover such issues as authority to take or direct action, management of common resources, manner and consequences of making and enforcing agreements, among others.

This definition is intentionally broad — encompassing everything from culture as a whole to the family unit and friendships. For many purposes, such a definition is too broad and brings in too many unnecessary complications. However, if having an impact on social change is part of the intention, I haven’t found anything narrower to be sufficient.